#semi-arid farming

[farmerstrend]

From Struggle to Success: Cotton Farmers in Machakos See Better Returns Amid Price Increase

“Cotton farmers in Machakos County celebrate a price increase from local textile industries, bringing hope and better returns to the semi-arid region.” “Discover how cotton farmers in Machakos are benefiting from a price boost, improving livelihoods and revitalizing the local agriculture sector.” “The price review by a local textile industry offers a lifeline to cotton farmers in Machakos, ending…

[byjove]

Imagine you hired an obscenely drunk Union soldier in a saloon to kill your husband. He manages to accomplish the deed by removing the bullets from your husband’s gun through a sleight of hand trick before challenging him to a duel. This is somewhat impressive but what is more impressive is his strong work ethic, ingenuity, Irish accent, subtle chivalry and big brown eyes. You marry him and move onto the 15 acres of semi-arid land on the edge of the Chihuahuan Desert he stubbornly wants to farm. He wants to name your firstborn daughter after his cavalry horse in the Civil War and your firstborn son after his commanding officer. He calls you widow woman as a term of endearment. He’s a good shot, he’s a good cattleman, a great husband and a subpar father. But what else can you ask from a man who lost his entire family in the Famine and came to this country alone at the age of 14?

Imagine you are a former Union soldier. You are 22 years old. You were only 19 when you enlisted, an Irish immigrant who worked in a livery stable in Cleveland until the outbreak of the war. You fought valiantly. You survived. In lieu of wages, you accepted a parcel of land in New Mexico territory. You’ve never had anything that was truly your own. Except for, perhaps, your horse. You arrive in New Mexico for the first time in your uniform, your horse goes lame the second you step onto your parcel, it’s so dry and rocky and red and you do not think it’s arable. You have to put down your horse. She dies with her head in your lap and you cry so hard you think you’ll die with her. When you’re done giving her a wake, knowing you have no ability to bury her, you begin walking in the direction of Las Cruces. Maybe you can sell this cursed land. Maybe you can get a job. First, a toast to Lula, the mare, the closest thing to family you have had in this country.

You’re seeing double by the time a little woman with an appraising expression approaches you. She is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen, perhaps even better in double. A little older than you. Long, dark wavy hair that cascades over her shoulders, a perfect round face, a warm brown complexion and the most troubled eyes you have ever seen on a woman. What is most miraculous is that she wants to talk to you. You, drunk, sunburnt, covered in dust, the blood of your horse soaked into your pant leg. She motions to your pistol. She says she will pay you to do a job, pay you handsomely, enough to buy another horse. She says her husband is rich, he enticed her away from her family when she was very young, he holds her captive in his hacienda, he hurts her. He must be killed so that she can return to her sisters and live without fear. You will do it, you must do it. You do not care how much of the story is factual. You do not care if she intends to have the sheriff string you up after the deed is done. You do not care if she cannot pay the money she promised. You would do anything to remove the sorrow from her eyes. You kill her husband and sleep fine afterwards.

You do not buy that horse. You stay in the hacienda while she is out selling the bits and pieces of her husband’s life. You meet her sisters when they come, you help her pack away the pieces of her life so that she may start anew. You tell her of your own plans to start anew, of the patch of rocky soil that is your own. She tells you she grew up on land like that, tells you that it has always been her dream to work it. When her sisters leave for the mountains, she leaves with you.

[lutethebodies]

Your OC's Personality: Olini Cuel

Tagged by @trappedinafantasy37 (whose OC post on this is here). I'll open this up for whomever wants to do it after me. I think I'm gonna switch up from always doing these about my bard to one about the half-drow horizon walker ranger I'm currently playing (and screenshot-dumping): Olinitza "Olini" Cuel. For the basics, see her Tav Tuesday entry, mood board, Minthara's judgement of her, or her character tag. Since I haven't gone long on this gal for a bit, I'm gonna do that right now, but leave it under the cut. Buckle up!

How would you describe their personality?

Olini is the type of loner who doesn't think she needs other people until she's at wits' end and utterly company-starved, but who also sees no reason to admit this to anyone. However, she's absolutely loyal to important people in life—lovers, friends, family; in BG3 she romanced Shadowheart, and even ended up on the farm with the cleric's infirm parents and a stable of animals.

She is focused, intense, and meticulous on good days but overtly surly, brusque and irritable on bad days. Whether a day is "good" or "bad" in Olini's opinion usually depends on how much useful progress she's made in whatever current task is atop her list and if she's made time to run a few miles.

Olini's dogged intensity can get single-minded to the point of recklessness; her 5e incarnation has held one particular personal grudge for over 20 years, and she can run roughshod over rules or procedures in her pursuit of facts (her background is a mix of soldier and investigator, and she once had to re-infiltrate an old unit to expose them for war crimes).

Conversely she has little patience for subtlety or half-measures when danger rears its ugly head; the only time she almost died in 5e (indeed the only time any of my characters has almost died) was while distracting a mega-demon so her party could solve a prison-escape puzzle.

What brings your character joy?

Olini is a dedicated runner. She finds endurance-based exercise invigorating for body and mind—flushing her brain of distractions to think through a case while her feet beat a steady rhythm on solid ground. As a child and teen, sprinting across the semi-arid stretches of wilderness surrounding her home town tested her athleticism. As a solider on the frontier, running over the vast distances of open steppe solidified her stamina.

So much time under a big open sky has made her a consummate explorer. There's always another route to try, always another direction of the compass to follow, always another horizon to cross. When she gained the ability to travel the planes (in 5e homebrew, that meant flitting between various realities and/or simulations), she jumped in with both feet.

Straddling the ephemeral borderlands of life means that, unlike other rangers, she's not much of a domestic-pet person, but she respects animals as much as people, and enjoys their company while they're around. That usually means more wild creatures than tame ones, because she's away from "home" for great gobs of time and doesn't always have the patience to care for pets every day. Thankfully Shadowheart does.

What does your character strongly dislike?

Olini will get righteously angry about the abuse of power. She hates bullies. She's also not a big fan of obfuscation, double-talk, and the other sometimes-required communication styles of stolid bureaucracies and institutional power—because of how those techniques can be abused too. She's thus wary of exceeding her own remit as far as using her own powers to their maximal potential.

This is sort of an across-the-board thing for her, to the point where she can get excessively suspicious of any powerful individual or institution. Olini's unchecked investigatory impulse might see conspiracies everywhere, and at her worst she's a knee-jerk cynic whose reactive, reductive skepticism has scuttled more than a few of her own investigations.

The various quests and side-quests of BG3 that involved breaking or defeating powerful figures—especially deities—were right up her alley. Along those lines, Olini also had no time whatsoever for slippery characters like Raphael or the Emperor or Mizora. She straight-up loathes Gortash on sight.

Is your OC scared of anything?

Olini might be the only one of my characters who, for better and worse, actually fears nothing. I say "might" because she usually knows better than to charge into combat recklessly (she kept her cool when brainwashed-Minthara got bigoted about half-elves) but that's happened when she's been provoked sorely enough.

She doesn't fear failure, danger, or even death if it means doing what feels right in any given situation, and especially if it helps take down a powerful predator of any type. She's experienced death of family, friends, loved ones, and fellow soldiers—so she isn't afraid of that unless it happens for unjust reasons.

What is their alignment?

I think Olini might be textbook Chaotic Good. I mean, doesn't all of the above read like that? I certainly hope so. She seems to align best, values-wise, with someone like Karlach or Jaheira. In other posts I've described how she will grind away at the thankless task of pestering authority for justice. Indeed in BG3 she was snapped up by the Nautiloid while on her way to find Grand Duke Ravengard to expose the Fist's amoral follies she witnessed in Chult.

She's also traveled widely enough to learn that laws are only as just as those who wield them, so working around or outside of such laws is often the best way to be truly honest. Shadowheart told her that's admirable but also a laughable cliché. Olini's fine with that.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Yale Environment 360:

Here in Burnt Corn Valley, smack in the middle of the Navajo reservation’s vast Black Mesa region, the hilly land both craves water and is brutalized by it. The sandy Arizona soil cracks under a punishing August sun as red-striped blister beetles search for moisture across its baked surface. Cottonwood trees and sagebrush rise from deep gullies carved by floodwaters that, during the intensifying summer monsoon, sluice off surrounding mesas and wash away fragile topsoil — reminders that with climate change, even quenching rains harbor powers of destruction.

This portrait of climatic havoc belies a softer reality, though. Farming once thrived in this parched region and could once again — if the right practices are adopted. Exhibit A: The crops on Roberto Nutlouis’s 12-acre Sliding Rock Farm, in his reservation hometown of Piñon, a five-hour drive north of Phoenix. “The corn is actually pretty big and thriving,” Nutlouis says. He believes — and both Western science and the lived experience of his Native elders affirm — that the traditional rock and stick structures he’s built on his property, which help store water and prevent erosion, have a lot to do with it. These structures, similar to those used by Native peoples long before Europeans arrived on the continent, are not only delivering water to crops (the broader, 27,000-square-mile reservation has the highest reported rate of food insecurity in the U.S.). They are also restoring Nutlouis’s watershed and those of his neighbors, helping to sequester carbon, and reviving this high-desert ecosystem. It’s all part of a bigger effort among a range of local and regional grassroots organizations to build back the reservation’s fragile, depleted ecosystems and bring greater sovereignty over food, water, and health to its communities.

Diné (the Navajo name for themselves) are well aware that climate change is making the weather on their semi-arid plateau weirder, wilder, and more destructive. Depending on elevation, precipitation in Black Mesa averages 6 to 16 inches a year; recent heat extremes — the Navajo government declared a state of emergency in 2023 due to soaring temperatures —mean that the scant water evaporates more quickly. Climate models predict the region will experience increasing droughts that decimate plant life, part of a growing trend of human-caused desertification across the globe, as well as higher-intensity seasonal rainfall, which can sweep away crops and roads. The ecological health of the reservation has also been weakened by deforestation from timbering operations and from overgrazing over the years.

Still, this season, Nutlouis, 44, has been able to skip his usual two-hour roundtrip drive to a reliable well to haul water home for his corn. His crop is healthy and hydrated because his land still holds last winter’s snowmelt. Clearly, his heavy labor over the past 20 years — during which he has built woven brush dams, gabions (wirework cages filled with rocks), earthen berms, concrete spillways and trenches, limestone aprons and walls, and stone-lined “Zuni bowls,” which stabilize eroding streambeds — is paying off.

[pedritapascal]

Max Lord Always Gets What He Wants.

Maxwell Lord Always Gets What He Wants

WARNINGS: Explicit Sex; Sex Language; SA; Fingers; Tongue; Nudity; Explicit Details

Pedro Pascal's character - Maxwell Lord aka Max Lord - [ML]

---------------------------------------

Being in a place like this really suits me. I don't know at what point during the phone call last night, while Jimmy was telling me about what was happening on the Indian reservation in Montana, I thought it would be a good idea to just take the first flight out in the morning to get here.

I look around to see the fence lying on the ground, on one side some Crow tribesmen with rifles resting on their shoulders, pistols in their holsters as they ride their Appaloosas or Arabian horses on the other side of the territory once marked only by the precarious wooden and wire fence on the ground, is the richest family in Montana.

The big case here is, where a huge herd of buffalo can be seen in the distance, it's the land of the Crow tribe, and on the other side of the fence where there are three huge, grim-faced men and where I can see some pedestrians arriving on their tricycles, it's the land of Mr. Lord, yes, Maxwell Lord IV, my father's best friend. Not that I ever really spoke to the man, because he was always meeting with Dad talking about riches and lands, our family gatherings on big occasions or closed contracts, always very cordial and kind to me, I can't remember a time when Max didn't frequent our family. And despite this, I still followed him around the salon whenever I had the chance, wasting a minute or two more on the newspapers where pictures of him appeared. Always overbearing in his luxury suits.

- The animals are here now, no matter what you say, they're ours now - Lodge Grass, the tribe's leader, arches an eyebrow, his strong jaw moving and clenching as he chews his tobacco

And then the whole argument starts again, I try to calm it down, the fact is that yes, the animals are from the Lord's farm, and yes, the buffalo even have a cattle brand on their ear listing each one, but they are here on Indian land now. When the men raise their guns, the weather heats up, the thin trickle of sweat running down the back of my neck gives me goosebumps, and this has nothing to do with Montana's 37° heat, the midday sun doing its job along with the arid terrain…

- Hey hey, Mick, put the damn gun down, Lodge is right - I speak with one foot on either side of the divider where the fence is, right on the division of the land, my hands up asking everyone to calm down before they actually pull the trigger and I end up like a sieve in the middle of this semi-desert. - What a great idea, huh?

- Get out of the way, little girl, you shouldn't be here - Mick complains, pointing his gun at Catori, who is very tense on his horse to my right…

- Well, I guess there's not much point in me coming here every weekend to train the horses on the Lord's estate, is there?

- What the hell? - I hear Mick talking as a helicopter approaches us, dust flies around us, I have to put my hand in front of my eyes to keep from going blind, the loud noise of the propellers makes me dizzy, or maybe it's the logo of the Lord family empire that gives me a damn vertigo, strange things happen in my stomach that tightens and retracts as if I were on the long descent of a roller coaster

- What is it, boys? We can solve this in a civilized way - I hear his voice low, hoarse, the sexy sound of it brushes across my skin like a caress giving me goosebumps, even with the sound of the helicopter gradually diminishing, the propellers stopping turning, his voice is still powerful and strong, like a general making himself heard in the middle of war

The farmhands lower their weapons and I watch as the men behind me refuse to lower theirs, still under their horses.

Maxwell is wearing a dark gray three-piece suit, his black dress shoes match the suspenders I could see when the ends of the suit flew off. His gaze is hidden by his sunglasses.

I turn to look in the direction of the white corsair with dark spots

- Don't you see my niece here? - The voice sounds so much closer now, I feel arms wrap around my waist in an innocent hug

- "That's my favorite niece," he whispered so quietly next to my ear as he looked at me over his glasses, that if it weren't for the shiver that went straight down my spine I'd think I'd just imagined the words.

- "Hi Uncle Max," I shrug, feeling my cheeks heat up strangely, and snort at the indignation of my traitorous body wanting to blush. I don't blush

- Mick, let it go, a few head of cattle won't make any difference - Max slings an arm over my shoulder and starts guiding me towards the helicopter, not taking much notice of the situation…

- But Sir Lord - Mick complains - There's hundreds of dollars in there - The man grunts, sounding disgusted

Maxwell Lord says nothing, just looks at the man, stops him in his tracks and continues his confident steps, guiding me. I'm amazed at how easily he gave up so much money and how quickly he solved the problem by helping the indigenous people in the end.

- When are you going to New York? Has your father told you anything about winning a scholarship? I don't know what the options are, but you should move there - he said, not wanting to talk about what had just happened

I didn't ask him how he knew what was going on here, after all he always seems to know everything, and I didn't need to ask him why he came in person to sort it out. I think your friendship with my father is important enough for him to want to guarantee my safety.

- You make it sound as if I have somewhere to live other than under the bridge - I scoff lowly

"It's not just because my father has some money that he did anything for me, he was very firm after my teenage years that I should make my own money, especially when I refused to follow the career path he had planned for me.

Me, a defense lawyer? That would never work, and he thought it was far inferior to his little girl to be studying political science with an emphasis on social welfare.

- Don't be silly girl, I have an apartment there, you can make yourself at home. - As long as you don't mind me stopping by once in a while on business.

At that moment he had his glasses off and I could see those brown eyes shining at me in the warm sun and I forgot what to say

- Let's see - as he stretches out his hand, beckoning me to get on the helicopter with him, I just say no - I'm going to take advantage of being here and get on with my work, I miss my... your horses - I smile, remembering who's really in charge here

- See you soon then - he kisses my hand, puts his glasses back on and disappears into the helicopter…

************************************************************************

Moving to New York was one of the best choices I could have made, I still miss the farm and the horses I used to train, seven months is a long time without riding, without feeling the wind whipping my hair and the horse's breath synchronized with mine, intelligent and sensitive animals those, able to understand me better than any human being, not to mention the always cold climate of New York and the people always in a hurry and who didn't seem to see you…

Max showed up here four times during that time, none of them telling me he was coming, and I didn't really care, he proved to be great company, we ended up watching something or talking about trivial matters, the last time I just watched as he worked, the sleeves of his dress shirt folded up to his elbows, his tense body hunched forward, looking at a pile of papers, his hair still in place even after hours of work, that day he wore a petrol blue vest and my legs felt weak from watching him concentrate, I can still feel the slight dampness between my legs just with the memory...

I shake my head, trying to concentrate on the papers in front of me, the many books spread out in front of me, having chosen political science as my major is killing me...

I stand up a little to stretch, the black baby doll rides up my back as I stretch and reach for a book on the other side of the table

- Ufhh - I hear a loud sigh behind me and I jump up looking over my shoulder with my heart racing from the shock.

- Hey, it's you - I giggle, going over to Max to give him a hug - I got a fright.

- I didn't mean to - he smiles and hugs me back, his chin resting on the top of my head while his hands go around my waist and rest on my hips, stroking with his thick fingers.

- You look tired - I say, noticing the soft dark circles under his brown eyes, today he's just wearing a white shirt, a black suspender that matches his dress pants and Italian shoes, his jacket hanging on the rack in the hallway

- It's been a long week - he goes into the kitchen, ignoring the papers scattered on the counter, all the things I need to study for next week's exam - I'm going to open some wine to relax, will you join me?

He shakes a bottle of Domaine Leflaive Montrachet, I didn't know much about wine, but I knew it wasn't the cheap stuff I sometimes drank at night while studying, it would certainly be one of the most expensive wines in the world, and even though I'd love to share a glass with him, I thought I'd better not risk it

- It's better not - I say laughing, watching as he pours a good amount into a glass and then grabs another from the cupboard that I can barely reach without standing on my tiptoes, he doesn't even have to stretch - Wine has an effect on me very quickly - smiling in a corner and a little miffed at having been...flirtatious, I shrug, looking away and going into the living room to find something to watch.

- Oh, you're not going to do that, are you? - I saw him coming with both of them in his hand, both with two fingers of wine in each

Well, since it was in the glass, I wasn't going to waste it. I sat down and picked up the glass and he sat down next to me and started telling me about his turbulent day. I loved it when he told me about his problems and asked me for advice on how to act in certain situations where he had to deal with emotion, because according to him, he didn't have a heart, he was 100% rational and that's how you won in life...

He loved how much I paid attention to every word he said and with my raised eyebrows I only ignored when he said that this world would eat me alive if I kept being so sweet...

- Little one, ignore what I say about you being sweet, keep it up, bring balance... it's just today that was - he gasps tiredly, leaning back against the sofa, while I finished my second glass of wine...

And I saw how comfortable he was with me, tie loosened, two buttons open, sleeves folded...

Max pulled my legs apart and let me rest on his lap, his big, warm hand sliding down my calf to my knee as we laughed to some movie playing at a very low volume in the background. I wasn't even paying attention anymore.

And with the first sip of the third glass, my legs itched where I felt his skin touching them, I felt hot and wet, my stomach light and my thoughts running like torrents in my head. When I felt his fingers on my lower thigh, I let out a low moan, unable to disguise the way he was touching me, my skin so tingling that it was impossible for him not to have noticed the hairs on my arm that were bristling

- Max - I moaned again when he put my legs on his lap and I felt the huge erection there

I don't know who moved first, who pulled who or how it happened, I just realized that I was straddling his lap, my thighs hugging his hips while I was right on top of his big, bulging erection. His mouth hit mine hungrily and the low moan I heard made me gasp and get even more aroused, my panties practically sticking to my wet pussy as I began to roll slowly onto his lap

Our tongues intertwined as he deepened the kiss, the wet kiss, with teeth and bites, that slow kiss that leaves your legs weak and your heart racing wildly in your chest. Max's hands grabbed my ass and pressed it hard against his cock, making me moan even more into his mouth, fuck yes, I could feel his length right on my clit. My hands on his face, holding him back for fear that he might run away from me, even though I was the one who should have run away...

- We can't, shit this is wrong - I gasped as our mouths parted

He grabbed me by the back of the neck and pulled me into another kiss, silencing my protests. One of his domineering hands went to my waist and guided me back into the movements so that we could rub together.

My hands now in his hair, gripping and squeezing the back of his neck, we looked like two teenagers who had never experienced a hard-on before in their lives.

I pushed his chest so that he lay back on the sofa and I opened the remaining buttons button by button, so lost in my own hard-on that I could barely think, and just feeling was taking an enormous effort. My hands were shaking, I don't know if it was because I was so horny or because I was so tense that it was really happening. That's when I felt his fingers squeezing my ass, making me rub my honeyed pussy, covered only by the thin fabric of my panties, even harder against his hard cock.

No, it definitely wasn't another dream about Maxwell Lord, he was there, touching me eagerly and thirsty for me too...

As much as it hurt between my legs, I really wanted to taste him. I moved away enough to unzip Max's pants, it was a martyrdom and he complained when he no longer felt the heat of my body so close to his.

When I sidestepped your mouth, kissing your cheek, then biting your neck, dragging my tongue across your chest and past one of your nipples, I looked up and saw your naughty, cornered smile.

- "It's so wrong, Max, but I want it so much," I said whimpering, the weight of my conscience trying to bring some sense to my horny thoughts.

- I want it too, little one, I've always wanted it - he caresses my cheek and just that light touch gives me the strength to continue, he lifts his hips when I pull his underpants down a little to release his erection.

His cock is big, so big that my eyes widen in surprise. It must be about 18 centimeters long, with veins and a bulbous head that's red and irritated with lust, the little pearly drop at the tip makes me salivate with desire as if I hadn't sucked a cock in 84 years.

- You're so beautiful here," I say, stretching out my tongue and catching the drop of pre-cum, moaning when I taste it on my tongue.

- That's it, my little whore, I want to see all my cock in that delicious mouth." The thick, husky voice makes me sigh, he gathers all my hair in his fist and guides my head towards the huge head of his cock.

I wrap my mouth around it, taking in every inch, taking care not to scrape my teeth, I feel his strong thighs tense under my fingers, and I look up in time to see his head falling back and his eyes closing, his fingers tighten in my hair and he pushes slowly so that I swallow more.

- Go on, a bit more, swallow all of my cock - he says quietly, as if he can't keep the strength in his voice and God, I love being able to do that to him.

I relax my throat and swallow the remaining centimeters, feeling the head of his cock touch my throat and throb with my tongue

- Oh, fuck. You're so good at sucking me small

I moved up and down, pressing my lips around the veins and dragging my tongue along the underside, his fingers gripped my hair tightly, immobilizing me, and then he fucked my mouth, pumping, making the head of his cock slip into the back of my mouth again and again.

I grabbed his balls and massaged them between my fingers, motivated by the moans and grunts Max let out as he fucked my mouth.

- Oh my God, stop or I'll come - God, I was loving how he was begging me, the mighty Maxwell Lord, begging me?

He kept begging me as he tried to stop me from continuing.

But I squeezed my lips tighter around his length, my tongue swirling around and over the slit at the tip every time I almost pulled it out of my mouth and then swallowed as much as I could.

I could feel his balls throbbing in my fingers, my legs tensed and he thrust one last hard thrust, moaning as he came in my mouth, the thick strands of cum running down my throat, making me smile and suck the tip clean.

When I sat on his leg, I wiped the corners of my mouth with my thumb, saw how his brown eyes were blazing at me and how his chest was rising and falling while his breathing still hadn't returned to normal...

Max settled down with me on his lap again, one hand sliding up my thigh to grab my ass and the other wiping away the tears that had formed in my eyes when I slid his cock into my mouth.

- I thought I'd told you to stop - he says, squeezing my cheeks with his hand and without leaving me time to reply, he kisses me, tasting himself in my mouth and exploring everything with his tongue

I feel a naughty finger passing through my ass and going to the tight bundle of nerves making me a little tense but then he goes down moaning in my mouth when he feels my panties all wet, pulling them aside he runs two fingers through my pussy and sighs biting my bottom lip

- All wet for me, little one, look how you've made my fingers wet - he brings his wet fingers in front of my face before putting them in his mouth and sucking on them, making a Ploc with his lips.

I'm not a silent person, not really, but my brain seems so melted and full of serotonin that I can't think of anything witty to say in reply

- It's very nice here - Max says, grabbing my ass with both hands, his fingers so firm that I know I'll have his fingerprints all over me the next day - But my bed is bigger - he adds as he pulls me onto his lap.

Fuck that's wrong, very, very wrong. But fuck, I'm in love.

- Don't you think it's a bit strange? Us doing this, huh? - I ask, kissing his neck as he carries me towards the master bedroom he always uses when he comes over...

- No, nothing's wrong here - he presses his fingers into my ass and throws me onto the bed, making me squeal with laughter.

I take a moment just to look at Maxwell Lord, he looks like a Greek god of sex and sin, his hair, which has always been in order even after hours of work, is messy, his tie is open and hanging from his strong neck, his white shirt is open, showing the few hairs on his chest and the way to his doom, his forearms with thick, visible veins are bare and the fabric is folded up.

His suspenders are down, falling close to his knees, and his open pants show his black boxer briefs. On his face is the damn corner smile that makes me gasp and squeeze my legs together

Realizing how affected I am by the sight of him still dressed, he makes no effort to take off his clothes. Instead, he climbs onto the big bed on his knees like a lion ready to corner its prey, pushes my knees apart with his hands and stares at me seriously, taking off my baby doll shorts, and then when he grabs the ends of my panties, he tugs hard, tearing the fabric. I take advantage of this and finish taking off the rest so that he can have all of me...

His concentrated eyes focused completely between my legs, his red tongue flicked across my lips and he lowered himself without saying a word, taking a long lick of my soaked slit, from my perineum to my swollen clitoris I could feel the moist touch making me press my fingers into the pillow and close my eyes

- You have such a sweet little pussy - he said, giving it another long lick, making my legs tremble with tension - I'm going to love spending hours here

- Ho-hours? - I ask, choking when I feel his tongue penetrating my entrance and I feel his fingers parting my lips to give him better access - Fuck, Max, I'm not coming...

I grow silent as he runs his tongue up my clitoris in tight, languid circles, sucking and rubbing the nerve endings.

- Shiiiiiu, you're going to take it, I'm going to make you take it - he says with a cocky smile, always overbearing, and I love it - I'm going to give my little whore everything she needs, don't worry little one...

He adds a second finger to the first and goes back to sucking all over my pussy except the point where I need it, he licks and bites my lips, takes his fingers out and then sticks his tongue in as far as he can and then comes back with his fingers, driving me crazy, making me gasp and moan with abandon. The heat between my legs spreads to my belly and down my legs, my head feels heavy and I try to keep my eyes open looking at his handsome face as he pleasures me

Whenever I'm close to cumming, he slows down, making the shivers of orgasm go away and leaving me on the edge of the precipice of wonderful cumming and frustration, frustration that he soon pushes away as he begins his torture all over again.

- Oh shit, I never thought you'd be a patient man - I moan between my teeth when I feel the light blow right on my clit making me shiver and moan

The light slap on my breast came as punishment and then I felt his fingers roll over the nipple and squeeze the hard tip making me even crazier, pushing my hips towards him.

- I'm very patient - he punctuates by slipping a finger into me again, slowly in and out several times - You have no idea how much - a second finger joins the first and the movements speed up making me hopeful that he's finally going to make me come - I've had to wait a few years for this, I'm going to fuck you all night - he mumbles this last part, as if he thinks I'm going to refuse.

It seems so.

Three of his big, thick fingers fuck me and when they're all the way inside me he curves them slightly upwards, touching something very close to what I need. When his tongue touches my clit and I hear the moan of appreciation, I don't need much more than one or two stimulations to finally explode in an orgasm that makes me shudder and scream his name, my eyes shut tightly as my lungs explode with the air I didn't even realize I was holding.

It takes a while to feel his weight on top of me, his hand running down my leg from my calf to my thigh and pulling it towards his hip. I felt the big head of his cock at my entrance and stifled a surprised yelp when it slid all the way in in one hard, fluid movement

- Aah, fuck, don't move - I say panting, pressing my hands that were previously dead on the mattress to his back, trying to hold his body to mine and keep him still.

- "Fuck, you've got a huge cock," I complain, but I can't stop myself from smiling when I feel the lips on my neck - which had been kissing there before - stretching and the breath of his kettle laugh close to my ear.

- I'm not going to move - Max says, lifting his tight lips in concentration, his eyes two small, shiny slits, the wrinkles around his eyes and mouth appearing

- You're so fucking small everywhere, aren't you?

Now it's my turn to laugh. He squeezes my ass hard as if staying still like this is too much of an effort, I kiss his chin, and his neck, run my nails lightly down his back and try to roll over feeling a little wider for his cock and less uncomfortable, when I do it a second time he understands that it's okay and pulls out only halfway and then enters again with a slower movement Breathing hard

- Faster - I'm almost begging as I start to feel ready again, the easy slide of his cock because of how wet I've gotten from the first orgasm.

Max kisses me deeply, his tongue assaulting me in a slow kiss as he thrusts hard and goes all the way inside me, I gasp into his mouth and he swallows all my moans. The sound of our bodies fills the room, the thrusts getting faster and stronger, the hand that was on my ass goes up to my breast, paying attention to my nipples while the other holds him above me

- I'm so close," I say, still listening to his dirty whispers in my ear.

- "Then come for me, lick all over my cock," he murmurs and I almost scream at the shocks I feel when his fingers reach between us and rub my clit.

I feel another wave through my body, this one calm and spreading through all my limbs, without being that crazed explosion, every part seems to heat up, shivering and tensing and then the relief comes like gentle waves of the sea kissing my skin and sliding between my legs. I'm so soft and lost that it takes me a while to realize he's moved away, his sweaty chest no longer touching mine and the fabric of his pants rubbing against my legs.

Max turns me over on my stomach and puts a pillow under my belly. He slams both hands down on my ass, making a loud pop, and shoves his cock into me again without slowing down as before.

I've never been quiet during sex but I can't think of anything to say or do, I can only enjoy the sensation of him so deep inside me. I know he's about to come when his thrusts become frantic and erratic, his fingers press hard into my hips as I meet his movements, he pulls out again cursing and cursing and I feel the hot come hitting my back and ass, I turn to look at him over my shoulder, Max has his head thrown back, his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open, the veins in his forearm are so dilated that I can see the slightly green color, his shirt is open, his chest is heaving and I can still see his pants halfway down his thighs.

With a long sigh, he opens his eyes and smiles at me. With two fingers, he spreads his cum all over my ass and uses them to lightly stroke my asshole, making me tense up a little.

- Relax, little one, we've got all night - he reminds me with his other hand caressing my back, lightly slipping just the tip of his finger into the cluster of muscles and nerves and smiling again as I try not to tense up - Hasn't anyone ever played with you here?

- No, sir, Lord." I nod, smiling, still looking at him over my shoulder.

- Then let's take a shower, today everything you have will be mine. - Stretching out his hand to help me, since I looked weak...

I'd never dared to go into the bathroom of Max's suite, but once I went into his room when he wasn't there just to get another blanket because it was a cold night in New York and I felt like an intruder in that place.

Max always liked a lot of luxury, and his bathroom was no different, a rectangular bathtub that ran from one wall to the other, almost a swimming pool, not that I hadn't had luxury in my life, I had until the moment I took my father to be free, and I'm sure that if I hadn't done that, this night wouldn't be happening.

Max turned on the taps as the bath filled up, and I just watched him as he moved around, still in his clothes, standing in front of the sink, removing his rings, his Swiss watch, he looked at me in the mirror with a smile in his corner as I watched his every move sitting on the edge of the bath, waiting for the moment when my body would actually touch his... he was enjoying seeing the effect he was having on me.

- Come on, little one, I'll help you get in - taking me by the hand to help me

- Hey, but you...?

- Shiiiu, just obey me...

I've never been one to obey anyone, but he had me like under a spell, so I did, I sat in the bath, the water warm, he was still sitting outside, he took my hand, stuck two fingers in my mouth, making them wet.

He took my hand to the middle of my legs...

-When I'm not here, and you touch yourself, do you think of me? - pushing my hand deeper inside me and pulling it back

- "I-I do, sir," I said, biting my lower lip.

-And when you come, do you call my name?

- S- yes... - I moaned low, like a whimper, not sure if I was too shy to confess that I was thinking of him like that, or if my voice failed me because of the hard-on that was taking over my body.

- So now you're going to touch yourself, while I watch you until you come for me, little one...

He stood up, leaned against the sink, crossed his arms at chest height, he looked me up and down, as if he owned me, and that night, he did...

- Go on, you can start... he motioned with his head for me to start for him... and I readily obeyed...

I put one leg on either side of the bath, so that he could see me completely, I leaned my head back a little and left my hands where he put them, I felt the slight shocks on my clit as I moved my fingers up and down, Max just watched me with his lower lip bitten.

- Moan louder for me little one - he ordered

It didn't take much effort at that point, as I started to circle my fingers, I felt a wave of pleasure coming over me, and another orgasm coming as I whispered his name, just like those nights when I wanted him...

Max enjoyed everything to the end and approached the bathtub, I was still gasping from my last orgasm when I saw him finally take off his shirt, leaving it on the floor... and then his pants and underwear.

I adjusted myself in the bath as he got in and pulled me close to him, I felt his hands on the back of my neck and his lips on mine, a long kiss...

I could finally feel his body on mine, the touch of his skin on mine, as we kissed I enjoyed every bit of him with my hands, I squeezed his strong arms, smoothed my hands down his back a little, until I reached his ass, where I squeezed slowly and felt him smile in the middle of the kiss.

- I never thought that behind all your sweetness, you were hiding this horny woman - tucking my hair behind my ear

- Does that bother you?

- No, of course not, it surprised me in fact, in a positive way, I don't think I'd have the patience to teach you things - smiling

- Always overbearing, aren't you Maxwell Lord - squinting - Can I ask you a question?

- Of course...

- You said today that you've waited years for this... what do you mean? You're not going to tell me that since I was 18, like in those novels we read and the guy is just waiting for the girl to come of age and? - he interrupts me

- Buurf - he snorts - Of course not, it was later... actually - he seems to remember when it was - Remember a Thanksgiving about five years ago?

- And how can I forget...

- It was that day, you were already 21, in college, doing law, and in the middle of dinner, while your father was talking about what your life would be like, you stood up and said you'd dropped out of college four months ago

- My father almost had a heart attack that day - I remember with wide eyes

- Yes, the vein in his forehead popped out - Max laughs as he remembers the scene - 

That's when I saw you as a woman for the first time... and then when you came with the excuse of training the horses at the stud farm, because you had nowhere to stay, since your father had cut down everything?

- But I really wanted to train the horses... I just wanted to combine the useful with the pleasant

- Did you know that I started visiting that stud farm more after you went there? And I loved watching you from the balcony in the late afternoon while you rode...

I'd never seen you like that, talking about your memories with such sincerity, even more so with me...

- So you mean I was in Max Lord's thoughts? - I try to be overbearing, but he doesn't answer, he just raises an eyebrow at me, pulling me closer to him as he glues his mouth to mine again...

His kiss is slow, but hard, as if he doesn't want to lose any of me there, one of his hands holding me by the back of the neck, under my hair, and the other gluing me to him, down my hips, lifting one of my legs, I feel his thumb passing through my bct, I moan softly into his mouth, he sticks his thumb in quickly before going down a little further, I feel the tension when he starts to caress my ass, and he says into my mouth.

-Just relax

My body trembles, I hold him by the nape of the neck as he thrusts deeper and deeper, letting out low moans still in his mouth...

- Max...

He continues until he's halfway in, and pulls it back out, slowly making his way back in, his mouth descending to my neck, while I felt his tongue licking it, he played with my ass as he wanted...

- It won't be good for you here - he whispered in my ear - Let's go back to bed, so I can fuck your ass…

************************************************************************

Max lay down on top of me, pulled the hair out of my face and kissed me affectionately

- I promise I'll be careful, I just need you to trust me, okay, little one? Brushing his nose against my cheek

I just nodded, I was tense, but I wanted him there so much...

Max put me on my side and lay down behind me, like a little mattress, I felt his bare chest touch my back and his lips kissed the back of my neck, going down to my shoulders, his hand was now searching for my pussy, he opened me up a little to reach my clit, making me wet again, he ran his fingers inside it, taking as much of my libido as he could, and began to caress my ass calmly while still kissing the back of my neck, I felt the head of his huge cock forcing its way in, my body tensed.

- shiiiiii, calm down, if it hurts, just tell me

Him whispering in my ear was just what I needed to relax, my hand gripping the mattress as I felt him invading me, at first I thought it would hurt more, but I was anesthetized and held by Max's huge arms, he kept thrusting halfway in, his hand started holding my neck, taking the air out of me a little, as if he was going to suffocate me, I felt his hot breath in my ear

- You're so tight, baby," he snorted.

I thrust my hips more towards him, causing more of his cock to enter me, I felt him gasp and hold my hips, Max started to pump hard and slow while moaning and whispering in my ear, his hand went down from my hip to my clit where he started to touch me while he pounded faster and faster into my ass, I was in ecstasy, feeling his hips already hitting my ass, and his moans getting louder and louder

- Come for me again little one - as he circled my clit with his fingers - I'm going to come inside your ass now

I'd lost count of how many times Max had made me come so far, but I could feel the next wave coming, and God, him pumping so deep into my ass was really driving me crazy...

I thrust my hips even more as I came, and I called his name loudly MAX... I gasped loudly and heard him moan, straddling me as he pumped his entire cock into my ass, Max moaned loudly and stroked his face through my hair, and I felt him come inside me, his sweaty body glued to mine as our breathing returned to normal, I felt him slowly pull out of me

- You were great, little one - he whispered in my ear - better than in my fantasies...

Max turned me towards him, smoothing my hair out of my face... he smoothed my cheek and kissed my forehead, then went down to my mouth, lay down and pulled me to his chest...

When I woke up Max wasn't in bed with me. If it weren't for the insistent pain in all the right places on my body I might think it was just another one of my torrid dreams about him, but the throbbing pain in my pussy and ass won't let me forget that so quickly

Good Mr. Maxwell Lord, I look forward to your next visit...

PEDRITA PASCAL

[motsimages]

you gotta love the basics of "the mediterreanean trilogy" about how the vineyard and the olive trees are adapted to a semi-arid climate with low rain and hot weather while producers all over the country are choosing more and more to water their farms to produce as much as possible (regardless of quality and climate change).

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

A is for Azerbaijan

The headwaters of the Kura River, Azerbaijan’s longest waterway, lie in the mountains of northeastern Türkiye. From there, the Kura winds through the forested hills and valleys of the Lesser Caucuses before turning east and heading toward Tbilisi, Georgia’s capital. The river continues westward into Azerbaijan and drains eventually into the Mingachevir and Varvara reservoirs, which were built by the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in the 1940s and 1950s, respectively.

Suspended sediment, silty banks, and a shallow downstream gradient encourage growth of the winding, snake-like curves and bends in the river known as meanders. Water flowing through these bends tends to be deeper and flow more quickly along the outer edge, where it carves a cutbank, while shallower, slower-moving water deposits a point bar along the inner edge. Over time, the bends can become so sharp and elongated that the river loops back onto itself and cuts the meander off, forming a separate U-shaped (or C-shaped) body of water called an oxbow lake.These erosional processes formed the curvy, A-shaped lake shown above. The A’s cross-hatch likely formed before the lake separated from the main river channel. As the bend elongated, the river likely formed a new, more direct channel bisecting the bend. The OLI-2 (Operational Land Imager) on Landsat 9 acquired this image on September 2, 2024. The image below shows a broader view of the same area.

That A-shaped lake, known locally as Ozero Akhmaz, is one of several oxbow lakes flanking the main channel of the river. These isolated features typically display darker blue water because they contain less suspended sediment than the main channel of the river.

While natural processes often form meanders and oxbow lakes, human activity has also transformed the landscape. In addition to dams, a network of canals runs through the scene on both sides of the river, conveying water to farmland and towns. This irrigation system makes it easier to grow a variety of crops, including cotton, barley, millet, wheat, sunflowers, fruits, and vegetables, in the region’s cold, semi-arid climate.

Industry including textiles, manufacturing, and mining are also present, particularly in and around Mingachevir, a growing city that is now the fourth-largest city in Azerbaijan. Fishing and intensive use of the river have reduced the number of species that live in the Kura, but there are efforts to replenish some species. The fish farm visible on the north bank of the river (top image), for instance, raises sturgeon and herring to bolster populations of these prized animals.

Lake Akhmaz is one of dozens of letter-shaped features on Earth’s surface curated by NASA’s Landsat outreach team. The images are part of an interactive tool that allows users to compose names or other words using Landsat images of Earth. For more information about some of the letters, see Earth Observatory’s 2012 Reading the ABCs from Space story.

NASA Earth Observatory images by Wanmei Liang, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Story by Adam Voiland.

[allthebrazilianpolitics]

A River Contrasts and Inequalities in the Arid Lands of Brazil

Osmir da Silva Rubez refuses to join the drip system, and is the only one among the 51 families living in the Mandacaru Public Irrigation Project in Juazeiro, a municipality in the state of Bahia, in the Northeast region of Brazil, to maintain the furrows that carry water to their crops.

The São Francisco River, which rises in the state of Minas Gerais, near the centre of Brazil, and flows northeast, has boosted irrigated agriculture in its 2,863 kilometres, much of it in semi-arid territory, with rainfall averaging between 200 and 800 millimetres per year.

It is a privileged basin, located in a region that suffers from water scarcity, especially in the increasingly recurrent droughts, when small rivers and streams dry up.

Water availability, immense due to the river's large flow, was increased by the construction of two hydroelectric dams North and South of Juazeiro, a city of 238,000 people, which has developed a fruit-growing industry, mainly for export.

Mangoes and grapes are the main local crops, grown on large private farms and in the irrigation projects of the state-owned São Francisco and Parnaíba Valley Development Company (Codevasf). Export activity highlights the contrasts and inequalities of the so-called Semi-arid ecoregion.

Continue reading.

[chroniclingworlds]

Proboscoids

Like their relatives the Vesicae, the Proboscoids have a strangely rounded body and unusual skeletal structure. The Proboscoids take this to the extreme with almost no neck and a head nearly fused into their body. This may have evolved as a defense against predators, as the neck is a target and a more rounded body has fewer vulnerable points. To reach food and water, their jaws have developed bizarrely, on a long flexible trunk connected to the body with only the highly extended esophagus and flexible soft tissue.

Worm-mouths

Pictured: the spotted worm-mouth, native to the open woodlands south of the Black Mountains.

These are iconic Proboscoids, with incredibly round bodies and a long, tentacle-like prehensile mouth. Because of the highly specialized nature of the jaws, they do not have room for a full jawbone, and instead just contain a sharp bony nub for snipping off leaves, which are swallowed whole. Smaller and swifter than their relatives, they roam the plains in herds and sprint off at the slightest sign of danger. When they run, the trunk is lifted and tucked up against their head and back, keeping it out of the way.

Snouties

Pictured: the woodland squeaker, named for the strange high-pitched alarm calls they make, found on the outskirts of the far eastern Southern Forest.

With a very flexible upper lip, the Snouties are named for their ability to grasp and hold things with this “snout”. The Snouties have the most muscles and nerves of any Proboscoids, making the mouth incredibly dexterous and sensitive, almost able to operate like a hand. They have even been seen delicately picking parasites off each other. Living along the fringes of the southern forest, they reach up into trees to feed on tender leaves and fruiting bodies. Generally these animals are very shy and hang around in the shadows of the forest, nervously keeping watch for predators.

SawBacks

Pictured: the sickle-claw SawBack, native to the plains of the Eastern Rise.

These creatures have a shorter, stiffer trunk with more developed bone-teeth for feeding on tough desert plants that grow on the seasonal plains. And that isn’t all they use their sharp teeth for; they have also been observed eating small animals, making them the only known Proboscoids to engage in omnivorous activity. With ridged armor on their backs and an elongated claw on their second toe for self-defense, they are difficult for predators to take down. They are also known to be somewhat aggressive, charging defensively at any perceived threat.

Orbiphants

Pictured: the white-crested Orbiphant, the species once used as war mounts in a famed Xaraka battle, found on the plains between the Pinnacles and the Black Mountains.

The largest of the Proboscoids, these animals roam the midlands in herds of up to 20. Their trunks are shorter and lined with bony projections for grinding food as it travels down the esophagus, making them very effective at feeding on tough semi-arid plants. These are far-roaming seasonal migrants, often spending summers in the open woodlands fringing the Southern Sea and winters in the hot savannas surrounding seasonal watering holes. Although they are far from being considered “domesticated”, there is at least one Xaraka culture that historically used these as riding war-beasts. Several villages west of the Black Mountains still have a familiar relationship with them and allow the animals to feed from their farms.

[coherentmarketinsights]

Golden Grains: The Flourishing Barley Industry in Latin America

Barley Production in Latin America History and Development of Barley Farming Barley has a long history of cultivation in Latin America, dating back to periods of colonial rule when European settlers first brought the crop to the region. Initially barley was mainly grown for livestock feed, as many areas were well suited to pasture-based animal agriculture. Over time barley began to be used more for human consumption as well, as brewing industries developed and barley emerged as a popular ingredient in beers, spirits and foods throughout Latin America. Early barley varieties cultivated in Latin America were often six-row types common to Europe at the time. However, farmers eventually began selecting strains better adapted to local growing conditions like heat, drought and diseases. Two-row varieties in particular proved hardier and yielded more consistently than six-row types. By the late 19th century, improved two-row varieties from Canada and other parts of North America were being introduced and adopted across much of Latin America. Major Barley Producing Nations Argentina is currently the largest barley producer in Latin America, growing over 4 million tons annually on over 1.5 million harvested hectares. The vast Pampas region is highly conducive to barley with fertile soils and a climate resembling the Mediterranean. Nearly all Argentine barley is malting quality, destined for use in beer. Mexico is also a substantial barley grower, producing around 650,000 tons per year. The high plains and valleys of Northern Mexico near the U.S. border have semi-arid conditions well suited to barley. Much Mexican barley goes to domestic breweries and distilleries. Other significant barley growing nations in Latin America include Chile, which harvests around 300,000 tons from its central valley regions, as well as Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela, each producing 50,000-150,000 tons annually focused on regional malting and brewing needs. Varieties, Production Practices and Yields The vast majority of barley grown in Latin America is spring-planted, as winter temperatures remain above freezing across much of the region. Common varieties include MCC and INTA which have shown good disease resistance, yield potential and malting qualities in Argentina. In Mexico popular varieties include Baguette, Nevada and Antelope due to adaptability in the arid north. Standard barley production practices in Latin America incorporate tillage, seed treatments, fertilization and weed/pest control as needed. Irrigation is important in many areas to ensure adequate moisture during critical growth stages like flowering and grain fill. With modern hybrids and optimal conditions, average barley yields in Latin America range from 2.5-4 tons per hectare, comparable to yields in other major barley growing regions worldwide. End Uses and Markets By far the largest portion of barley grown in Latin America, around 80-90%, is utilized for malt in beer production. Leading brewing companies sourcing Latin American barley include Anheuser-Busch InBev, Heineken, Grupo Modelo and Quilmes. The remainder of barley production is often sold as livestock feed, particularly in Argentina which has a large animal agriculture sector. Growing export markets for Latin American malting barley include Mexico shipping to the United States under NAFTA, and Argentina exporting to Asia as well as major maltsters in Europe and North America. Regional trade also exists, such as Chile exporting to breweries in other South American nations. With steady yield gains and quality improvements, Latin America's barley industry continues to expand avenues for trade on the global stage. Future Prospects and Challenges Nonetheless, further increases in barley yields will depend on ongoing varietal improvement, adequate irrigation infrastructure and climate change adaptation. Rising temperatures and variable rainfall bring risks of drought stress and disease pressures. Water scarcity and competition from other crops also pose threats.

[research-related-blogs]

Growing Green Farming- Exploring Potential of Biofertilizers Market

Biofertilizers does role of protecting soil by destroying many harmful substances present in soil causing crop diseases. In semi-arid conditions, biofertilizers enhance crop productivity and the quality of agricultural products. Soil microbes influence crop growth as they can improve nitrogen content in soil. Sustainable practices have gained traction of attention in farming practices and products leading to farmers' preference for green fertilizers.

The Biofertilizers market is foreseen to grow with a CAGR of 12.2% in 2021-2028. This market has the potential to surpass a valuation of USD 4,474.43 million by 2028.

Growing population driving demand for food security. This is foreseen to create crop production pressure on farmers. Probing the need for healthy agriculture contributed to garnering attention on biofertilizers. Soil quality, water, and fertilizers are determinants of healthy agriculture. Biofertilizers are the best alternative to chemical fertilizers when added to the soil they promote fertility.

With time arable land loses its yield capacity where fortification with fertilizer is needed. Biofertilizers are natural sources to promote nutrition uptake in crops and eventually lead to growth. Consumers globally started to shift towards organic food which begins right from sustainable farming and ends with clean-label products at shelves. Biofertilizers have resistance to environmental stress and they mobile growth hormones. Rising food safety concerns around the globe are foreseen to create a lucrative space for organic products and biofertilizers.

[garyquayphotography]

“Along Hay Canyon Road, Sherman County, Oregon”

©2023 Gary L. Quay

Gaia and I were in The Dalles to have some work done on the car, and they gave me a rental.

So...

We drove out to find a place I haven't been to in 13 years. I was looking for a road with a sign that read "Harmony". That turned out to be Hay Canyon Road. It's a road bespckled with cattle and sagebrush, and is one of those places that oozes with western charm. I'm reading a book written by a homesteader / rancher from eastern Oregon, so I also understand (and in reality, I've understood for a long time) that it oozes with hardscrabble, holding on by your fingernails semi-arid farming. My hat is off to those people.

Camera: Nikon D810

Lens: 50mm Nikon

#nikon #pacificnorthwest #garyquay #oregon #viewfromhere #shermancounty #d810 #springtime #monkland

[agroasia-tractors]

Farm Ridger: Precision Ridge Formation in Kenya

Farm Ridger: Precision Ridge Formation with NH TT75 (4WD, 75HP) in Kenya

In Kenya’s rapidly evolving agricultural sector, AgroAsia Tractors plays a crucial role in supplying high-performance farm implements that optimize efficiency and productivity. One such indispensable tool is the farm ridger, a specialized implement designed for creating ridges essential for row-crop cultivation. When coupled with the NH TT75 (4WD, 75HP) New Holland Tractor, the farm ridger ensures precision, uniformity, and enhanced soil structure, making it an invaluable asset for farmers cultivating crops such as sugarcane, potatoes, chilies, and tobacco. This article explores the significance, technical capabilities, and impact of the farm ridger in Kenya’s agricultural landscape.

Understanding the Farm Ridger and Its Functionality

A farm ridger is an agricultural implement designed to create raised rows of soil (ridges) for efficient crop planting, soil aeration, and moisture retention. It is particularly useful for row crops that require structured planting patterns, ensuring better root development, improved drainage, and enhanced weed control.

The ridger is commonly used for preparing furrows and seedbeds in crops that thrive on raised rows, such as:

✔ Sugarcane – Promotes deeper root penetration and optimal irrigation flow ✔ Potatoes – Prevents waterlogging, encouraging better tuber formation ✔ Chilies – Enhances aeration and reduces disease risks ✔ Tobacco – Supports root expansion and efficient nutrient absorption

When paired with the NH TT75 tractor, the farm ridger delivers superior soil-breaking power, enabling precise and deep ridges, which are essential for high-yield farming.

Technical Specifications of the Farm Ridger

1. Adjustable Row Spacing

The row width of the ridger can be modified to accommodate different crop requirements, making it adaptable for various planting systems.

2. Heavy-Duty Frame Construction

Designed from high-grade steel, the ridger is robust enough to handle compact and rocky Kenyan soils, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.

3. Precision Disc Blades or Moldboards

The ridger is equipped with adjustable disc blades or moldboards, which effectively lift, turn, and shape the soil into uniform ridges.

4. Depth Control Mechanism

Farmers can adjust the depth of ridge formation, allowing flexibility in planting depth and soil aeration.

5. Efficient Soil Pulverization

The implement breaks down clods and compacts the soil, reducing erosion while improving moisture retention—essential for sustainable farming in Kenya’s diverse climates.

Integration with NH TT75 (4WD, 75HP) New Holland Tractor

The NH TT75 (4WD, 75HP) New Holland Tractor is a high-powered, fuel-efficient machine that seamlessly works with the farm ridger, ensuring efficient ridge formation across different field conditions.

Key Features That Make NH TT75 Ideal for the Farm Ridger

🚜 75 HP Engine Power – Provides the necessary traction and torque to operate the ridger effectively. 🚜 4-Wheel Drive (4WD) – Ensures superior grip and maneuverability in Kenya’s uneven and semi-arid landscapes. 🚜 Hydraulic System – Enables smooth lifting and lowering of the ridger, ensuring ease of operation. 🚜 Fuel Efficiency – Reduces operational costs, making large-scale ridge formation more economical. 🚜 Durability & Stability – Handles long working hours without overheating, ideal for commercial farming.

By coupling the farm ridger with NH TT75, farmers increase efficiency, reduce manual labor, and achieve precision in row crop planting, ultimately leading to higher yields and profitability.

Why Kenya’s Agriculture Needs Farm Ridgers

1. Optimized Water Management

Kenya faces irregular rainfall patterns, making efficient water management a top priority. The raised beds created by the farm ridger improve irrigation efficiency and prevent waterlogging, particularly in crops like potatoes and sugarcane.

2. Enhanced Soil Aeration and Root Growth

Properly structured ridges allow better airflow into the soil, encouraging stronger root expansion and nutrient absorption. This results in healthier, more resilient crops that can withstand drought and disease.

3. Reduction in Weed Growth

Farm ridging minimizes weed competition by structuring rows that limit weed germination, reducing the need for excessive herbicide use.

4. Increased Yield Potential

By improving planting efficiency, soil fertility, and moisture retention, farm ridgers contribute to 10-15% higher yields in row crops compared to traditional flatbed farming methods.

5. Cost-Effectiveness

With lower fuel consumption, reduced labor dependency, and higher productivity per hectare, using a farm ridger with NH TT75 becomes an economical solution for farmers aiming for higher returns on investment.

Impact of Farm Ridgers in Kenya’s Agricultural Sector

🔹 1. Revolutionizing Large-Scale Farming

Kenya’s commercial agriculture is shifting towards mechanized farming to meet the demands of export crops like tobacco and chilies. Ridgers ensure uniform planting, leading to higher quality produce for both local and international markets.

🔹 2. Sustainability in Small-Scale Farming

For smallholder farmers, efficient land utilization is crucial. The farm ridger maximizes planting space, minimizes soil degradation, and conserves water resources, ensuring long-term farm sustainability.

🔹 3. Supporting Government Agricultural Initiatives

Kenya’s government promotes mechanized farming solutions to enhance food security and reduce post-harvest losses. Farm ridgers, combined with tractors like NH TT75, play a critical role in modernizing agriculture.

🔹 4. Adaptability Across Different Soil Types

Kenya’s soils vary from black cotton soil in Western regions to sandy loams in the Rift Valley. The farm ridger’s adjustable settings allow it to operate efficiently across diverse terrains, making it an ideal solution for multiple farming zones.

Challenges & Future Innovations in Ridge Farming

Despite its advantages, farm ridging faces some challenges in Kenya:

🔸 Initial Investment Costs – Acquiring mechanized equipment requires financial support, but long-term benefits outweigh initial costs. 🔸 Soil Erosion Risks – Improper ridging can lead to soil erosion in sloped lands, emphasizing the need for precision settings. 🔸 Maintenance and Training – Farmers need technical training to use ridgers efficiently, highlighting the importance of mechanization education programs.

Innovations for the Future

✅ Automated Ridging Systems – AI-driven precision agriculture will improve ridge uniformity and reduce wastage. ✅ Eco-Friendly Equipment – Development of solar-powered tractors and ridgers will minimize carbon footprint. ✅ Smart Farming Integration – GPS and data-driven planting techniques will optimize ridge spacing for maximum yield.

Conclusion: Why the Farm Ridger is Essential for Kenyan Farmers

The farm ridger, when combined with the NH TT75 (4WD, 75HP) New Holland Tractor, is a game-changing implement that enhances soil structure, crop health, and overall productivity in Kenya’s agricultural sector. From sugarcane and potatoes to tobacco and chilies, the farm ridger revolutionizes row crop cultivation, ensuring higher yields, better water management, and sustainable farming practices.

As Kenya continues its agricultural transformation, adopting mechanized ridge farming is essential for maximizing efficiency and securing food security. With AgroAsia Tractors providing high-quality farming solutions, Kenyan farmers can confidently embrace modern technologies for higher profitability and long-term sustainability. 🚜🌾

[researchyblog]

Millet Seeds Market Size, Trends, and Growth Forecast to 2025

The Millet Seeds Market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer awareness of the health benefits of millets and a rising demand for sustainable and nutritious food sources.

Get free sample copy @ https://www.statsandresearch.com/request-sample/33735-global-millet-seeds-market

Market Overview:

Market Size and Growth: In 2023, the global millet seeds market was valued at approximately USD 12.29 billion. It is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% between 2024 and 2032, reaching an estimated value of USD 21.98 billion by 2032.

Key Market Drivers:

Health and Nutritional Benefits: Millets are rich in essential amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, making them a preferred choice among health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious and gluten-free alternatives.

Sustainable Agriculture: Millets are resilient crops that require minimal water and can thrive in arid and semi-arid regions, contributing to sustainable farming practices and food security.

Government Initiatives: Various governments are promoting millet cultivation to enhance food security and support sustainable agriculture, further propelling market growth.

Get full report @ https://www.statsandresearch.com/report/33735-global-millet-seeds-market/

Key Players:

Bayer AG

Corteva Agriscience

Hancock Seed & Company

Allied Seed, L.L.C.

Mamta Hygiene Products Pvt Ltd

Eastern Colorado Seeds, LLC

Seedway, LLC

Roundstone Native Seed Company

Crystal Crop Protection Ltd.

Challenges:

Limited Awareness: Despite their benefits, millets are less known in certain regions, leading to lower consumption rates compared to other staple grains.

Processing Difficulties: Millets require specific processing techniques, and the lack of infrastructure can hinder their widespread adoption.

Regional Analysis:

Asia-Pacific: This region dominates the millet seeds market due to traditional consumption patterns and favorable climatic conditions for millet cultivation. Countries like India and China are significant consumers of millet seeds.

North America and Europe: Growing health awareness and the rising popularity of gluten-free diets are contributing to increased millet seed consumption in these regions.

Get enquiry before buying @ https://www.statsandresearch.com/enquire-before/33735-global-millet-seeds-market

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[rjzimmerman]

Manyara Ranch: African Wildlife Foundation

Good story from the African Wildlife Federation. Tap/click on the caption to get to the PDF version of the report.

Excerpt:

A long time ago, the people of Tanzania and their livestock adopted to living alongside wildlife. For millennia, the Maasai have tracked the movements of wildebeests to identify good grazing; the favorite hideouts of lions to avoid attacks on cattle; and the presence of oxpeckers to know if dangerous buffalo are nearby.

In the past 60 years, however, drastic changes have come to the Maasai Steppe, a large semi-arid grassland ecosystem in north-central Tanzania. Large-scale farms, the expansion of safari tourism, the creation of national parks, and restricted access to once communally used land have squeezed the rangeland available to livestock. With more cattle on less land, grasslands are becoming overgrazed. The spread of human settlements and agriculture have blocked age-old wildlife migration routes, leading to more frequent—and sometimes deadly—confrontations between people and animals. And climate change, which has intensified droughts and upended rainfall patterns, is escalating competition for green grass and fresh water, pushing even more pastoralists to agriculture.

Anchoring the Maasai Steppe are Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, where the shores of the eponymous river and lake abound with wildlife in the dry season. The steppe is home to some of the world’s most abundant and diverse wildlife, including one of the largest—and growing– populations of elephants in Africa (recovering from heavy poaching in the 1970s and 1980s) and the only stronghold of the eastern white-bearded wildebeests. The ability to move between the parks and beyond them into the plains is crucial for the survival of many of the ecosystem’s most iconic species, including elephants and wildebeests. But safe, unimpeded pathways are becoming scarce. In between the two parks, in the all-important Kwakuchinja wildlife corridor, sits a patchwork of villages, farms, large herds of livestock, grasslands—and Manyara Ranch.

Since 2001, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has championed a unique conservation model for the ranch, starting with negotiations with the government to form a land conservation trust to make the ranch a conservation space. Beginning in 2013, we took over direct management of the ranch, balancing the working cattle ranch with habitat restoration and wildlife conservation—a new model for Tanzania.While Tanzania’s pastoralists generally are prohibited from bringing livestock into national parks, cattle are a nonnegotiable part of the region’s economy and culture. Therefore, successful conservation of land outside formal protected areas depends on the sustainable coexistence of livestock and wildlife, particularly along migration routes where wildlife move outside of the boundaries of the parks. Manyara Ranch is a vital link along one of those migration routes. It helps connect the national parks to each other and to the wet-season grazing grounds of the Northern Plains, described as the “last, best remaining breeding ground” for the ecosystem’s migrating wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and others. In addition to the migrating animals that seasonally pass through, the ranch today is home to resident giraffes, lions, and many other iconic African species—as well as more than a thousand cattle.

The lease to the land is now held by the Monduli District Council, and the day-to-day running of the ranch is managed by the Manyara Ranch Management Trust, composed of representatives from the Monduli council, two local villages, the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority, and AWF.

“The vision for a project like this is to bring management expertise to the local stakeholders. We want to think inclusively and really focus on creating local partnership in decision-making regarding operations,” said Pastor Magingi, AWF’s Tanzania Country Coordinator.

[digiitallife]

Desertification is the process where fertile land gradually turns into barren desert. The definition for desertification, as outlined by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), is the process of land degradation occurring in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions, driven by a combination of climate fluctuations and human activities. A common misconception is that desertification is good for the environment, but in reality, it harms ecosystems and biodiversity. One critical question is, “how is desertification related to soil erosion?” The answer lies in vegetation loss. When plant cover disappears due to overgrazing, deforestation, or agriculture, the exposed soil becomes vulnerable to wind and water erosion. This process depletes nutrients, leaving land unsuitable for farming. Studies also show that desertification is primarily caused by unsustainable land use, such as intensive farming, overexploitation of groundwater, and poor irrigation practices. A specific example comes from Africa’s Sahel region, where droughts and overgrazing lead to desertification. Similarly, in Asia’s Gobi Desert, human activities like deforestation exacerbate the problem. In contrast, New Zealand has experienced minimal desertification, but risks remain with urbanization and deforestation. An interesting discussion revolves around how to pronounce desertification, as its etymology reflects the transformation into “desert-like” conditions. Understanding how farming is leading to desertification is vital. Practices such as monocropping and over-tilling degrade soil structure and lead to erosion. Addressing these practices through sustainable agriculture is essential. Efforts like reforestation and improved land management offer pathways to mitigate this issue and restore ecosystems. While desertification is typically caused by human actions, climate change intensifies the effects, emphasizing the need for global awareness and action through agreements like the desertification treaty.   Impact of Desertification and Soil Erosion Understanding how desertification is related to soil erosion requires examining the interaction between human activities and natural processes. As vegetation disappears, soil becomes exposed to erosion from wind and rain, leading to land degradation. These processes are interconnected, making it critical to address the root causes of desertification and soil erosion simultaneously. One way to measure the extent of this issue is through tools like the desertification map, which illustrates regions most at risk. Where does desertification occur most? Primarily in arid and semi-arid areas like Africa's Sahel, southern Asia, and parts of South America. These regions suffer from the negative impacts of desertification, including food insecurity and economic instability. For example, desertification impact on biodiversity is severe. As ecosystems degrade, species lose their habitats, leading to reduced biodiversity. Moreover, the phenomenon raises questions such as, “are deserts growing or shrinking?” The answer depends on regional factors, but overall, desert areas are expanding due to unsustainable practices and climate change. One key concern is how urbanization leads to desertification. As cities expand, natural vegetation is replaced with infrastructure, disrupting the soil's water cycle and contributing to degradation. Addressing this involves rethinking urban planning to minimize ecological damage. Efforts to mitigate these effects include implementing desertification resilience measures, such as planting drought-resistant vegetation and improving irrigation methods. Ultimately, combating desertification requires international collaboration. The desertification treaty, signed by many nations, underscores the importance of unified action to restore degraded lands and prevent further ecological collapse. Desertification and Its Global Effects The global ramifications of desertification are far-reaching, impacting the environment, economies, and societies. One of the most visible outcomes is its connection to poverty and food insecurity. With nearly 44% of agricultural land located in drylands, the loss of fertile soil directly threatens global food supplies. This underscores why overgrazing leads to desertification, as excessive grazing removes vegetation, leaving soil vulnerable to erosion and degradation. Moreover, what causes desertification in the Sahel is a combination of climate change, overgrazing, and unsustainable agricultural practices. The Sahel, a semi-arid region in Africa, has become a global example of the devastating effects of land degradation. Increased temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns worsen the situation, leaving communities to grapple with reduced crop yields and conflict over dwindling resources. The question arises: is desertification caused by humans? While natural factors like drought and climatic shifts play a role, human activities such as deforestation, over-farming, and poor water management are significant drivers. For instance, in Mongolia, 90% of the land is fragile dryland, where desertification and climate change combine to create severe challenges for herders and farmers. The desertification report by the UNCCD highlights the urgent need for action. One proposal is to reduce the risk of desertification by promoting sustainable land management and afforestation. These efforts aim to restore degraded areas and build desertification resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions. While some argue the concept of desertification pros and cons, the negative impacts clearly outweigh any perceived benefits. Desertification leads to biodiversity loss, displacement of populations, and economic instability, emphasizing its threat to sustainable development. Collaborative efforts like the desertification treaty are essential to mitigate these effects and restore balance to affected ecosystems. How Farming and Urbanization Contribute to Desertification Understanding how farming is leading to desertification is critical to tackling land degradation. Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as monocropping, excessive tillage, and poor irrigation, deplete soil nutrients and accelerate erosion. Farmers often adopt intensive methods to maximize yields, but this inadvertently exacerbates the problem. As soil fertility declines, farmlands transform into barren landscapes, illustrating how human activities drive desertification. Another pressing question is, “how does urbanization lead to desertification?” Natural ecosystems are frequently harmed by rapid urban growth. Forests and vegetation are cleared to make way for infrastructure, disrupting the soil’s water cycle and increasing its vulnerability to erosion. This contributes to the expansion of desert-like conditions, particularly in developing countries where urban planning may not prioritize environmental sustainability. An example of this is seen in desertification in New Zealand, where urban expansion and deforestation have raised concerns about soil degradation. Although not as severe as in regions like the Sahel or Gobi Desert, New Zealand faces risks that call for proactive measures. Addressing these issues requires understanding how to monitor for desertification and implementing strategies to prevent further damage. Techniques like satellite imagery, soil quality assessments, and vegetation cover monitoring help track land degradation over time. Moreover, solutions such as agroforestry and conservation agriculture can help reduce the impact of farming on land health. When considering how to describe desertification, it is essential to emphasize its multifaceted nature. The phenomenon includes ecological, social, and economic dimensions, making it a complex global challenge. While some may ask, “is desertification a cause of deforestation?” the reality is that deforestation and desertification are interconnected, each exacerbating the other. Ultimately, sustainable practices in farming and urban planning are critical to prevent desertification and protect ecosystems for future generations. The Causes and Consequences of Desertification   Desertification is a critical environmental issue that disrupts ecosystems and livelihoods. According to the definition for desertification, it is the process by which fertile land becomes desert due to natural factors and human activities. This transformation is primarily driven by overgrazing, unsustainable farming, deforestation, and climate change. These activities explain why desertification is primarily caused by the loss of vegetation and poor soil management. A common question is, “how is desertification related to soil erosion?” The two are strongly linked, as the loss of vegetation leaves soil vulnerable to wind and water erosion, accelerating land degradation. In the Sahel region, what causes desertification in the Sahel includes drought and overexploitation of land resources, creating a cycle of poverty and land degradation. The desertification treaty, also known as the UNCCD, aims to combat this crisis by promoting sustainable land practices globally. Despite these efforts, questions persist, such as “is desertification good for the environment?” While it may seem beneficial for creating deserts, the overall desertification negative impacts outweigh any advantages. Loss of biodiversity, soil fertility, and livelihoods are just some of the consequences. In regions where desertification is most significant in what kind of areas, such as drylands and semi-arid regions, the effects are most severe. For example, in Africa, these areas experience food insecurity and forced migrations. To mitigate these challenges, understanding how to reduce the risk of desertification through afforestation, water management, and soil conservation is essential. Combating desertification requires global cooperation. By monitoring degraded lands and implementing sustainable practices, the situation can improve. With continued efforts, the cycle of land degradation can be broken, benefiting people and ecosystems alike. The Role of Human Activities in Desertification   A significant factor in the spread of desertification is human activity. This includes overgrazing, intensive agriculture, and deforestation. Studies confirm desertification is caused by humans as much as by natural factors like drought. One prominent example is how farming is leading to desertification: excessive tillage and poor irrigation deplete soil nutrients and disrupt ecosystems. Urbanization is another contributor, as highlighted in how does urbanization lead to desertification. Expanding cities often encroach on fertile lands, removing vegetation and increasing soil erosion. The issue is particularly concerning in developing countries where infrastructure planning may not account for environmental impacts. Understanding desertification pros and cons also sheds light on its impacts. While some argue that it creates desert ecosystems, the negative consequences, such as biodiversity loss and reduced agricultural productivity, dominate. This is why efforts to monitor for desertification are essential. Satellite data, soil health monitoring, and local assessments help track changes and guide interventions. The desertification report from the UNCCD reveals that degraded lands impact over 2 billion people worldwide. Questions like “how to pronounce desertification” may seem trivial, but raising awareness is key to global action. The crisis has also sparked debates about is desertification a cause of deforestation, as the two processes often occur together in vulnerable regions. Despite its challenges, how can desertification be fixed? Solutions include afforestation, sustainable agriculture, and global cooperation. These measures not only restore land but also build desertification resilience, helping communities adapt to future risks. While desertification is a complex issue, human actions play a major role. Through better practices and policies, the tide can turn, ensuring sustainable use of land resources for generations to come. Impact of Desertification on Biodiversity and Climate   The effects of desertification extend beyond soil degradation, severely impacting biodiversity and climate systems. The process destroys habitats, leading to species extinction and loss of ecological balance. This illustrates the significant desertification impact on biodiversity, as ecosystems in drylands are particularly vulnerable. The question arises: is desertification and drought same? While both involve arid conditions, they differ in nature. Desertification refers to land degradation, while drought is a temporary reduction in rainfall. However, they are interlinked, as prolonged drought can accelerate land degradation. An often-overlooked aspect is what does desertification mean in history. Historical records show civilizations collapsing due to land degradation, highlighting the long-term consequences of failing to address the problem. The desertification map shows regions like Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia as most affected, underlining the need for global attention. Desertification and climate change are deeply intertwined. Rising temperatures exacerbate soil degradation, while degraded lands contribute to carbon emissions, creating a feedback loop. Addressing climate change can therefore help mitigate land degradation. To counter these impacts, understanding how to describe desertification is crucial for awareness and action. Education and advocacy can promote solutions like agroforestry, reforestation, and sustainable land management. Preventing Desertification and Building Resilience   Preventing desertification requires a combination of local and global efforts. Key strategies include afforestation, soil conservation, and sustainable farming practices. Understanding how to prevent desertification begins with identifying vulnerable areas and implementing targeted interventions. Building desertification resilience is essential for communities at risk. This involves improving water management, restoring degraded lands, and promoting education about sustainable practices. The Sahel region serves as a case study of what causes desertification in the Sahel, where efforts like the Great Green Wall project aim to reverse land degradation. Why overgrazing leads to desertification is a critical issue to address. Livestock grazing beyond the land’s capacity removes vegetation and exposes soil to erosion. Balancing livestock numbers with available resources can help mitigate this problem. The debate over desertification pros and cons often overlooks its devastating consequences. While desert ecosystems may provide unique opportunities, the overall impact includes poverty, displacement, and reduced agricultural productivity. Questions like are deserts growing or shrinking highlight the need for accurate monitoring to guide action. Efforts to reduce the risk of desertification are supported by international agreements like the desertification treaty, which promotes sustainable land management worldwide. Education plays a crucial role, from understanding how to pronounce desertification to learning its broader implications. In conclusion, desertification is a challenge that requires immediate and sustained action. By adopting sustainable practices, investing in restoration, and fostering global cooperation, the tide can turn, ensuring a better future for affected communities and ecosystems. Read the full article